NRS Swiftwater Rescue Training

Every spring, NRS puts on swiftwater rescue training for its employees. These photos are from the March 28-29, 2008 session. It was led by Charlie Walbridge, coauthor of the Whitewater Rescue Manual. We started out with a day of classroom sessions, then took the group out to the Potlatch River for in-the-water instruction.

Charlie had a great handout outlining the training and a tableful of safety gear to discuss.
© Clyde Nicely

We moved out into the warehouse to practice some of the rope techniques.
© Clyde Nicely

Guy whipping off an on-target toss to Charlie.
© Clyde Nicely

Charlie demonstrating how a sitting belay greatly increases
the weight you can hold.
© Clyde Nicely

Charlie and Guy demonstrating a standing belay.
© Clyde Nicely

The crew prepares to do some wading practice,
using a paddle as a brace against the swift current.
© Keli Keach

Emily’s thinking, “Hmm, as if the water’s not cold enough, now it’s snowing!”
© Keli Keach

Preparing to catch a swimmer with a
rescue throw bag toss.
© Keli Keach

Gabe setting up a belay, with Kurt as his buddy anchor.
© Keli Keach